Gov’t told to expedite modernization of AFP

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad (Reserve), and AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla in a recent press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. —Photos by Gabryelle Dumalag

MANILA, Philippines — An independent think tank on Sunday called on the government to expedite the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) amid evolving threats in the West Philippine Sea.

The Stratbase Institute issued the call ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral award—which invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea—on July 10.

“The Arbitral Award gave the Philippines legal standing; the next decade must deliver strategic strength,” Stratbase president Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said in a statement released by the organization.

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